Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has been given an extended three-match break during the one-day international series against England.

The 32-year-old was due to be rested for Friday's second match in Brisbane, but will now also miss the trips to Sydney and Perth.

Dan Christian has been added to the squad to fill the gap left by Watson, who was one of Australia's Ashes winners.

"Given Shane's workload in the past 12 months we consider it would be beneficial for him to have a longer break and continue his training program at home in Sydney ahead of the final ODI and the tour of South Africa," coach Darren Lehmann said.

"Dan Christian, who has been in excellent form in recent weeks, has been added to the ODI squad to provide an all-round option in Shane's absence."

Watson was an injury doubt before the Test series, after suffering a hamstring injury in the proceeding seven-match ODI series against India Lehmann indicated before the one-dayers against England that he would look to rest his Ashes winners at various stages.

Mitchell Johnson sat out the series-opening six-wicket win in Melbourne, but is set to return on Friday with Australia 1-0 ahead.